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{{Short description|Ruling dynasty of India}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2019}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2019}}
{{Use Indian English|date=August 2019}}
{{Use Indian English|date=August 2019}}
{{more citations needed|date=October 2016}}
{{Infobox country
{{Infobox country
|conventional_long_name=Alupa Dynasty
| conventional_long_name = Alupa Dynasty
|common_name=Alupa Dynasty
| common_name           = Alupa Dynasty
|native_name=
| native_name           =  
|status=Empire
| status                 = Empire
|government_type=Monarchy
| government_type       = Monarchy
|image_flag=
| image_flag             =  
|year_start= 200
| year_start             = 200
|year_end= 1444
| year_end               = 1444
|event1=
| event1                 =  
|date_event1=
| date_event1           =  
|p1=
| p1                     =  
|p2=
| p2                     =  
|p3=
| p3                     =  
|p4=
| p4                     =  
|p5=
| p5                     =  
|s1=Vijayanagara Empire
| s1                     = Chowta dynasty (Tulu Nadu)
|flag_s1=
| s3                     =  
|s2=Chowta dynasty (Tulu Nadu)
| s4                     =  
|s3=
| s5                     =  
|s4=
| s6                     =  
|s5=
| s7                     =  
|s6=
| flag_s7               =  
|s7=
| s8                     =  
|flag_s7=
| image_map             = {{South Asia in 600 CE|right|The Alupas and neighbouring South Asian polities {{Circa|600 CE}}.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Schwartzberg |first1=Joseph E. |title=A Historical atlas of South Asia |date=1978 |publisher=University of Chicago Press |location=Chicago |page=26,146|isbn=0226742210 |url=https://dsal.uchicago.edu/reference/schwartzberg/pager.html?object=063}}</ref>}}
|s8=
| capital                = [[Mangalore]], [[Udyavara]], [[Barkur]]
|image_map=Alvakheda map.jpg
| common_languages      = [[Tulu language|Tulu]]<ref>Prabhu 2018</ref>
|image_map_caption=Extent of the Alupa Kingdom
[[Kannada]]<ref>Prabhu 2018</ref>
|capital=[[Mangalore]], [[Udyavara]], [[Barkur]]
| religion              = [[Jain Bunt]]
|common_languages=
| currency               =  
[[Kannada]] (earliest epigraph-7th century)<ref name="Alupa Tulu">{{cite news |last1=Prabhu |first1=Ganesh |title=Alupa inscription found at Mangodu temple |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/alupa-inscription-found-at-mangodu-temple/article7450233.ece |access-date=15 June 2018 |work=The Hindu |date=22 July 2015}}</ref>
| leader1               =  
<nowiki> [[Tulu language|Tulu]] (earliest epigraph-12th century),</nowiki><ref name="Tulu Alupa">{{cite news |last1=Prabhu |first1=Ganesh |title=Tulu pillar inscription found in Kota |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/tulu-pillar-inscription-found-in-kota/article6961571.ece |access-date=15 June 2018 |work=The Hindu |date=5 March 2015}}</ref>
| leader2               =  
[[Sanskrit language|Sanskrit]]
| year_leader1           =  
|religion= [[Shaivism]] [[Vaishnavism]] [[Shaktism]] (Hindu [[Bunt (community)|Bunt]], [[Jainism]] ([[Jain Bunt]]).
| year_leader2           =  
|currency=
| title_leader           = [[Monarch|King]]
|leader1=
| image_coat            = Alupas. Uncertain ruler. 14th century. Chattopadhyaya Type II.jpg
|leader2=
| coa_size              = 300px
|year_leader1=
| symbol_type            = Coinage of the Alupas. Uncertain ruler, Chattopadhyaya Type II. Legend ''śri pa/ndya dhana/jaya'' in Devanagari. 14th century CE
|year_leader2=
|title_leader=[[Monarch|King]]
}}
}}
The '''Alupa''' (circa 2nd  century C.E to 15th century C.E)<ref name="ghosh">{{cite book|last=Amitav Ghosh|author-link=Amitav Ghosh|title=The Imam and the Indian: prose pieces|year=2003|publisher=Orient Blackswan|isbn=978-81-7530-047-7|pages=189|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QQHp9wsWaZcC}}</ref> was an ancient ruling dynasty of India. The kingdom they ruled was known as ''Alvakheda Arusasira'' and its territory spanned the [[Tulunad|coastal districts]] of the modern Indian state known as [[Karnataka]].<ref name="DC2017">{{cite news |title=Polali's famed shrine echoes the heroics of the Alupa kings |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/lifestyle/books-and-art/011017/polalis-famed-shrine-echoes-the-heroics-of-the-alupa-kings.html |access-date=15 June 2018 |publisher=Deccan Chronicle |date=1 October 2017}}</ref> The Alupas in their prime were an independent dynasty, centuries after reigning due to the dominance of [[Kadambas]] from Banavasi, they became feudatory to them. Later they became the vassals of the [[Chalukyas]], [[Rashtrakutas]],  [[Hoysalas]] with the change in political scenario of Southern India. Their influence over coastal Karnataka lasted for about 1200 years.<ref name="ghosh" /> There is evidence that the Alupas followed the law of matrilineal inheritance ([[Aliyasantana]]) since the Alupa king Soyideva was succeeded by his nephew Kulasekhara Bankideva (son of Alupa princess Krishnayitayi and [[Hoysala]] [[Veera Ballala III]]).<ref name="hoysala">{{cite book|last=Mysore. University. Dept. of History, University of Mysore. Dept. of History|title=The Hoysaḷa Dynasty|year=1972|publisher=Prasārānga, University of Mysore|pages=95–96|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5o8ZnsSwL0kC}}</ref> The legendary king who is credited with introducing [[matrilineality]] in Tulu Nadu is named Bhuta Alupa Pandya<ref>{{cite book|last=Sūryanātha Kāmat|title=Karnataka State Gazetteer: South Kanara Gazetteer of India Volume 12 of Karnataka State Gazetteer, Karnataka (India|year=1973|publisher=Director of Print, Stationery and Publications at the Govt. Press|pages=38|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=RrG1AAAAIAAJ}}</ref> The descendants of this dynasty still survive to this date and have spread in the karavali region and they are widely called as [[Bunt (community)|Bunt]]<ref>{{cite book|last=Bhasker Anand Saletore|title=Ancient Karnāṭaka, Volume 1 Issue 53 of Poona oriental series Ancient Karnāṭaka, Bhasker Anand Saletore|year=1936|publisher=Oriental Book Agency|pages=154|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-TduAAAAMAAJ}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Folklore Fellows of India|title=Journal of Indian folkloristics, Issue 1|year=1978|publisher=Folklore Fellows of India by Geetha Book House, 1978|pages=5|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Jg3aAAAAMAAJ}}</ref> The [[Bunt (community)|Bunt]]follows Matrilineality, unlike any other warrior community, they can be identified with their surnames such as [[Shetty]], [[Rai (title)|Rai]], [[Hegde]], [[Alva (surname)|Alva]], [[Chowta]] etc, even though most [[Bunt (community)|Bunt]] are [[hindus]]  by faith now, The sizeable section of the community still follows [[Jainism]] and they are called [[Jain Bunt]]<ref name="Thurston 1909">[[Edgar Thurston|Thurston, Edgar]]; K. Rangachari (1909). Castes and Tribes of Southern India Volume 1. Madras: Government Press|pages=147-172</ref> The last Alupa king to have ruled is Kulasekharadeva Alupendradeva whose inscription dated 1444 CE have been found in [[Mudabidri]]<ref>{{cite book|last=Mythic Society (Bangalore, India)|first=2002|title=The quarterly journal of the Mythic society (Bangalore)., Volume 93|year=2002|publisher=The Society|pages=22|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=UAFuAAAAMAAJ}}</ref> [[Jain temple|Jain Basadi]].


==Etymology and Origin==
'''The Alupa dynasty''' was an [[India|Indian]] dynasty that ruled from 200 to 1444 A.D. in Southern India.<ref>Ghosh 2003, p. 20-23</ref> They were local feudatories at different times under major dynasties such as the Kadambas, Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas and later Vijaynagara<ref>Nagarajaiah 2003, p. 40-45</ref> The kingdom they ruled was known as ''Alvakheda Arusasira,'' and its territory spanned the [[Tulunad|coastal districts]] of the modern Indian state known as [[Karnataka]], including [[Kasaragod]] district of present-day Kerala.<ref>Polai's 2003, p. 15-18</ref> The Alupas played a significant role in the political, cultural, and religious history of coastal Karnataka.<ref>Nagarajaiah 2003, p. 43-45</ref>
[[File:Royal emblem of the Alupa.png|thumb|The Royal emblem of the Alupas shows a pair of fishes flanked by twin moons under a royal white umbrella |left|218x218px]]
The name of the dynasty is variously recorded in inscriptions as '''Alupa''', '''Aluva''', '''Alva''', '''Aluka''' and '''Alapa'''<ref name=ghosh /> The origin of Alupas prior to the [[Kadambas]] is unclear as there are no epigraphical evidences. [[Ptolemy]], the 2nd century geographer identifies the [[Tulu Nadu]] region as Olokhoira which is widely believed to be a corruption of the term '''Alva Kheda''', 'the land of the Alvas'.<ref name=ghosh />


In the [[Tulu language]], {{lang|tcy|ಆಳ್ಪು}} ''(Alup)'' means 'to rule', {{lang|tcy|ಆಳ್ಪುನು}} ''(Alupunu)'' means 'ruling', {{lang|tcy|ಆಳುಪೆ}} / {{lang|tcy|ಆಳ್ಪೆ}} / {{lang|tcy|ಆಳ್ಪುನಾಯೆ}} ''(Alupe)'' means 'ruler' (one who rules). According to [[B. A. Saletore]], the name ''Alupa'' may be derived from its variant ''Aluka'' which is an epithet of the divine serpent [[Shesha]] of [[Hinduism|Hindu]] epics.<ref name=sale>{{cite book|last1=Saletore|first1=Bhaskar Anand|title=Ancient Karnāṭaka, Volume 1|date=1936|publisher=Oriental Book Agency|pages= 59–61}}</ref>
==Etymology==
Fleet has suggested that the name ''Aluka'' may possibly denote the [[Nāga]]s, who in early times were included in Chalukya dominions.<ref name=sale /> Saletore further adds that the Naga origin of the Alupas is proved by two facts. The figure of a hooded serpent which is found in an effaced Alupa stone inscription in the Gollara Ganapati temple in Mangalore and their ultra [[Shaivism|Saivite]] tendencies.<ref name=sale /> Saletore dismisses the idea regarding the [[Dravidian languages|Dravidian]] origin of the name from the [[Kannada language|Kannada]] word ''Alu'' meaning 'to rule' or 'govern'.<ref name=sale />
The name of the dynasty is variously recorded in inscriptions as '''Alupa''', '''Aluva''', '''Alva''', '''Aluka,''' and '''Alapa'''.<ref>Ghosh 2003, p. 24-26</ref> The origin of Alupas prior to the [[Kadambas]] is unclear, as there is no epigraphical evidence. [[Ptolemy]], the 2nd-century geographer, identifies the Alvakheda as Olokhoira, which is widely believed to be a corruption of the term '''Alva Kheda''', 'the land of the Alvas.<ref>Ghosh 2003, p. 25-28</ref>


Historian [[P. Gururaja Bhat]] states that the Alupa royal family were possibly of local origin who were possibly of local origin who were followers of "Shaivism" and later 10th century they accepted Jainism,  [[Bunt (community)|Bunt-Nadava]] caste.<ref name="Bhatt">{{cite book|last1=Bhatt|first1=P. Gururaja|title=Antiquities of South Kanara|date=1969|publisher=Prabhakara Press|page=iii|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=UdMCAAAAMAAJ|access-date=14 February 2018}}</ref> Whereas, B. A. Saletore mentions that the title Alupa (Alva) survives till this day in the Bunt community .<ref name="Saletore">{{cite book|last1=Saletore|first1=Bhaskar Anand|title=Ancient Karnāṭaka, Volume 1|date=1936|publisher=Oriental Book Agency|page=154|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=whZHAAAAIAAJ}}</ref>
In the [[Tulu language]], {{lang|tcy|ಆಳ್ಪು}} ''(Alup)'' means 'to rule', {{lang|tcy|ಆಳ್ಪುನು}} ''(Alupunu)'' means 'ruling', {{lang|tcy|ಆಳುಪೆ}} / {{lang|tcy|ಆಳ್ಪೆ}} / {{lang|tcy|ಆಳ್ಪುನಾಯೆ}} ''(Alupe)'' means 'ruler' (one who rules). According to [[B. A. Saletore]], the name ''Alupa'' may be derived from its variant ''Aluka,'' which is an epithet of the divine serpent [[Shesha]] of [[Hinduism|Hindu]] epics.<ref>saletore 1936, p. 60-65</ref>
Fleet has suggested that the name ''Aluka'' could denote the [[Nāga]] Because it represent Jain Yakshini Padamavti the yakshini of [[Parshwanatha]], who in early times were included in Chalukya dominions.<ref>saletore 1936, p. 63-66</ref> Saletore further adds that the Naga or Jain origin of the Alupas is proved by two facts. The figure of a hooded serpent, which is found in an effaced Alupa stone inscription around Mangalore,<ref>saletore 1936, p. 65-68</ref> Saletore dismisses the idea regarding the [[Dravidian languages|Dravidian]] origin of the name from the [[Kannada language|Kannada]] word ''Alunu,'' meaning 'to rule' or 'govern'.<ref>saletore 1936, p. 66-70</ref>


The rule of other Chutu dynasty was restricted only to Banavasi (whole of Uttara Kannada), and the rule of Sadakanas was confined to the Chandravalli region (around 30&nbsp;km radius). The region of North Karnataka was more under so-called Elephant, Lion, Horse and Bull Maharatis. Again, later Shatavahana branch and Later Kuras moved southward to establish only in Banavasi. The region of [[tulunad]] was free from any such an external influence and appears to have been under the strict control of Alupa kings in the ancient times.
==History==
The Alupas in their prime were an independent dynasty, centuries after reigning due to the dominance of [[Kadambas]] from Banavasi, they became feudatories to them. Later, they became the vassals of the [[Chalukyas]], [[Rashtrakutas]], and [[Hoysalas]] with the change in the political scenario of Southern India. Their influence over coastal Karnataka lasted for about 1200 years.<ref>Ghosh 2003, p. 25-28</ref><ref>Prasārānga 1972, p. 90-93</ref> It has been pointed out that the Alupas do not appear to have adopted the law of matrilineal inheritance (Appekatt/[[Aliyasantana]]) system at any time during their existence as a royal family where the only instance in the long list of known Alupa rulers is the reign of nephew "Aliya" Kulasekhara Bankideva (son of Alupa princess Krishnayitayi and [[Hoysala]] [[Veera Ballala III]]) succeeding Soyideva - which is considered as only a challenge to those who had succeeded to the throne by the universal law of direct succession.<ref>{{cite book|author=K.V. Ramesh|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JwZDAAAAYAAJ&q=%22alupas+do+not+appear+to+have+adopted%22|title = A History of South Kanara From the Earliest Times to the Fall of Vijayanagara|publisher= Karnatak University|year=1970|language=en|page=139|accessdate= 9 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|author=Miho Ishii|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=86y8DwAAQBAJ&dq=alupas+matrilineal&pg=PT152|title = Modernity and Spirit Worship in India - An Anthropology of the Umwelt|publisher= [[Taylor & Francis]]|year=2019| isbn=978-1-000-74091-2 |language=en|accessdate= 9 November 2025}}</ref><ref>Prasārānga 1972, p. 95-96</ref> The last Alupa king to have ruled is Kulasekharadeva Alupendradeva, whose inscription dated 1444 CE has been found in [[Mudabidri]] [[Jain temple|Jain Basadi]].<ref>The Quarterly Journal 2002, p. 22</ref>


The rule over Uttara Kannada region, with Banavasi as its capital was by [[Chutu]] clan followed by the [[Shatavahana]] branch which governed for Siri, Siva, Pulumavi and Yajna Satakarnis, prior to the Kadambas. With the Kadambas rule from Banavasi, Karnataka saw developments in the field of art and culture. Land of Karnataka saw more and more epigraphs that recorded the activities of the past, mostly erected in the temple premises. The first clear mention of Alupas comes from the [[Halmidi]] inscription of 450 CE where their possible early ruler Pashupathi of Alapa (Alupa) gana is mentioned. Pashupathi was the contemporary of the Kadambas. Hence for historical record, we can safely assume that the dynastic formation of Alupas took place around 5th century CE. Their royal emblem was the double fish and they claimed to belong to the ''Pandyavamsha'' and ''Soma Kula'' ([[lunar dynasty]]).<ref name="kula">Kamath (2001), p94</ref> Their coins carried the dynastic title "Sri Pandya Dhananjaya" which means "Arjuna among the Pandyas". The Alupas now remain as [[Bunt (community)|Bunts]] of [[Tulunad]].
===Political history===
The history of the clan emerges from obscurity during the rise of [[Badami]] [[Chalukya]] in the Aihole and Mahakuta inscriptions, which claim the Alupas had accepted Chalukya overlordship and had become their feudatory.<ref name="kula"/> They ruled initially from [[Mangalore]] and at other times from Udyavara in [[Udupi]] and later from [[Barkur]]. Their first regular full-length inscription, the ''Vaddarase'' inscription in Kannada, is dated to the early 7th century. They maintained marital relations with their overlords over the centuries.<ref name="oldest">Kamath (2001), p97</ref>


==Land==
===Coinage===
[[File:Tulunadu.png|thumb| A Regional Map of Tulunadu in [[Karnataka]].Tulunadu also Includes [[Kasaragod district]] of [[Kerala]] state.|left]]
The Alupas, as a feudatory of the [[Western Chalukyas]] in coastal Karnataka, issued coins with [[Kannada]] and [[Devanagari|Nagari]] inscriptions on them. Coins with Kannada legends seem to have been minted in Mangalorem and those with Nagari legends at the Udupi mint. [[Kannada]] was their language of administration. The Pagodas and Fanams were the common coinage of all the Alupa kings. The obverse of the coins carried the royal emblem "Two Fishes" and the reverse had the legend "Sri Pandya Dhanamjaya" either in Nagari or old (Hale) Kannada.<ref>The Quarterly Journal 2002, p. 22-24</ref>
Although Alupas controlled part of Uttara Kannada and Shimoga of Karnataka and northern part of Kerala during the zenith, the core region consisted of the modern Tulunadu which comprises Mangalore and Udupi district (earlier it used to be a single district ''Dakshina Kannada'', also known as South Canara. In the ancient times, the region was referred as ''Alvakheda'' and during the later part of the reign, the region was referred as ''Tulunadu''. The term Tulunadu is still practised today while referring to the region.


'''1. Alvakheda'''<br />
==Origin and descendants==
The term Alvakheda could be seen in several of ancient inscriptions of the Alupas. The region of Alvakheda encompassed the modern Tulunadu and part of Uttara Kannada up to Ankola on the coastal north and Banavasi on the interior west of Uttara Kannada District. Also, the region of Humcha in the Shimoga district, and the land of Kasaragod in Kerala up to the Payasvini river was the boundary in the south. The term Alvakheda is not seen in the inscriptions during the Vijayanagara period, when the region of Barakuru and Mangalore were two separate provinces under the administration of Governors who started controlling the territory without interfering in the autonomy of the Alupas.
===Origin===
Historian [[P. Gururaja Bhat]] states that the Alupa royal family were possibly of local origin who were followers of [[Jainism]] and are identified as Jain bunts<ref>Nagarajaiah 2003, p. 50-55</ref><ref>Bhatt 1969, p. 51-53</ref> Whereas, B. A. Saletore mentions that the title Alupa (Alva) survives till this day in the Bunt community While [[Alva (surname)|Alva's]] were originally Jains,<ref>Nagarajaiah 2003, p. 54-55</ref> Some sections later adopted Hinduism though title continues to be used.<ref>Nagarajaiah 2003, p. 55-56</ref><ref>saletore 1936, p. 154</ref> Alupa royal family recorded to have maintained matrimonial alliances with The [[Santara dynasty]] and are both adherents of Jainism.<ref>Nagarajaiah 2003, p. 60-65</ref>


'''2. Tulunadu'''<br />
The rule over Uttara Kannada region, with Banavasi as its capital was by [[Chutu]] clan followed by the [[Shatavahana]] branch which governed for Siri, Siva, Pulumavi and Yajna Satakarnis, prior to the Kadambas. With the Kadambas rule from Banavasi, Karnataka saw developments in the field of art and culture.<ref>Bhatt 1969, p. 55-56</ref><ref>Kamath (2001), p. 91-93</ref> Land of Karnataka saw more and more epigraphs that recorded the activities of the past, mostly erected in the temple premises. The first clear mention of Alupas comes from the [[Halmidi]] inscription of 450 CE where their possible early ruler Pashupathi of Alapa (Alupa) gana is mentioned. Pashupathi was the contemporary of the Kadambas.<ref>Nagarajaiah 2003, p. 70-72</ref> Hence for historical record, we can safely assume that the dynastic formation of Alupas took place around 5th century CE. Their royal emblem was the double fish and they claimed to belong to the ''Pandyavamsha'' and ''Soma Kula'' ([[lunar dynasty]]).<ref name="kula">Kamath (2001), p94</ref>
The region stretches from Mangalore in the south all the way to Baindoor in the north. On the west is the Arabian sea and on the east is the [[Western Ghats]] that fences the land like a fort that formed a heaven for the ruler. More than it, number of rivers that crisscrossed near Mangalore, Udyavara and [[Barkur]] made this land fertile. The western ghats, the thick forests and the towns along the shoreline of Arabian sea established several sea ports for trade with the Romans and Arabs. Trade routes from with the Romans were well established as early as the 2nd century CE and with the Arabs around 7th century CE. The Netravati in Mangalore and Seethanadi in Barkur are the main rivers that run in the capital cities of Alupas.  Other rivers such as Suvarnanadi, Shambhavi in [[Karkala]] and [[Mulki, Karnataka|Mulki]], Gurupura river, [[Pavanje]], Nandini and numerous streams all running from east to west. The region of [[Puttur, Karnataka|Puttur]], [[Sullia]], Belthangady and Puttur, Karkala are the [[Malenadu|Malnad]] region and supported as an agricultural backbone of the kingdom and the region of Mangalore, Udupi and [[Kundapur]] are the coastal regions that supported more of marine activities though agriculture is the other occupation.


An [[Old Malayalam]] inscription ([[Ramanthali inscriptions]]), dated to 1075 CE, mentioning king Kunda Alupa, can be found at [[Ezhimala]] (the former headquarters of [[Mushika dynasty]]) near [[Kannur|Cannanore]], Kerala.<ref>Narayanan, M. G. S. ''Perumāḷs of Kerala.'' Thrissur (Kerala): CosmoBooks, 2013. 483.</ref>
===Descendants===
The descendants of this dynasty still survive to this date and have spread in the karavali region and they are widely referred to as the [[Bunt (community)|Bunt]].<ref>Saltore 1936, p. 75-76</ref><ref>Journal of India 1978, p. 5-6</ref> The [[Bunt (community)|Bunts]] follow Matrilineality instead of the common Patrilineality, and are said to be Nagavanshi Jain Kshatriyas by their maternal origin. They can be identified with their surnames such as [[Shetty]], [[Rai (title)|Rai]], [[Hegde]], [[Alva (surname)|Alva]], [[Chowta]] etc. Even though most [[Bunt (community)|Bunt]] are [[Hindus]] by faith now, The sizeable section of the community still follows [[Jainism]] and they are called [[Jain Bunt]]<ref>Thurston 1909, p. 147-172</ref>


==Political history==
==Territories==
The history of clan emerges from obscurity during the rise of [[Badami]] [[Chalukya]] in the Aihole and Mahakuta inscriptions which claims the Alupas had accepted Chalukya overlordship and become their feudatory.<ref name="kula"/> They ruled initially from [[Mangalore]] and other times from Udyavara in [[Udupi]] and later [[Barkur]]. Their first regular full-length inscription is the ''Vaddarase'' inscription in Kannada is dated to early 7th century. They maintained marital relations with their overlords over the centuries.<ref name="oldest">Kamath (2001), p97</ref>
Although Alupas controlled part of Uttara Kannada and Shimoga of Karnataka and northern part of Kerala during the zenith, the core region consisted of the Old Dakshina Kannada district which comprises Modern Dakshina Kannada district and Udupi district.<ref>Saltore 1936, p. 76-78</ref> In the ancient times, the region was referred as ''Alvakheda'' and during the later part of the reign, the region between [[Swarna River]] and chandragiri river was referred as ''Tulunadu''. The term Tulunadu is still practised today while referring to the region.<ref>Prasārānga 1972, p. 96-98</ref><ref>Nagarajaiah 2003, p. 72-73</ref>


Alupas rule confined to the modern districts of Udupi, Mangalore and parts of Shimoga and Uttara Kannada districts in the state of Karanataka and part of northern Kerala (Kasaragod district) up to Payashvini river. In the history of India, no other single dynasty has ever ruled for over thousands years. The record that breaks this exception goes to the Alupas who ruled their territory for nearly thousand years.  Alupas though originated as a ruler to the coastal region of Karnataka around the beginning of the Christian era, it is only around the 5th century they made their debut as a dynasty as witnessed in the epigraph of Halmidi. The last ruler's name that we see in the epigraph of Venupura (Moodubidre), belong to the 14th century CE. There are over two hundred stone epigraphs left behind this dynasty and only about one hundred and twenty epigraphs have been read and deciphered so far. The finest record of the early Kannada script is seen in the 7th century CE copper plate of Belmannu.  There is yet another set of five copper plates that surfaced in the beginning of 2007, but no information is known about the ruler, provenance within the district of Udupi or its content.
===Alvakheda===
[[File:Alvakheda map.jpg|left|279x279px]]
The term Alvakheda could be seen in several of ancient inscriptions of the Alupas. The region of Alvakheda encompassed the modern Tulunadu, northern and central part of Udupi district and part of Uttara Kannada up to Ankola on the coastal north and Banavasi on the interior west of Uttara Kannada District. Also, the region of Humcha in the Shimoga district, and the land of Kasaragod in present-day Kerala up to the Payasvini river was the boundary in the south.<ref>Ghosh 2003, p. 28-30</ref> The term Alvakheda is not seen in the inscriptions during the Vijayanagara period, when the region of Barakuru and Mangalore were two separate provinces under the administration of Governors who started controlling the territory without interfering in the autonomy of the Alupas.<ref>Saltore 1936, p. 78-80</ref>


Alupas put coins into circulation in 8th century CE and continued the tradition till 14th century CE. Their coins carried the dynastic emblem of "Two fishes over a spread Lotus flower, below a royal umbrella". Nearly 180 unique coins have been known so far, of which around 175 coins are published in the book written by Prabhu and Pai. The detailed history, with proper reference pointers is also seen in the same book.
===Tulunadu===
The region stretches from Mangalore in the south all the way to swarna river in the north. On the west is the Arabian sea and on the east is the [[Western Ghats]] that fences the land like a fort that formed a heaven for the ruler. More than it, number of rivers that crisscrossed near Mangalore, Udyavara made this land fertile. The western ghats, the thick forests and the towns along the shoreline of Arabian sea established several sea ports for trade with the Romans and Arabs. Trade routes from with the Romans were well established as early as the 2nd century CE and with the Arabs around 7th century CE. The Netravati in Mangalore and Seethanadi in Barkur are the main rivers that run in the capital cities of Alupas. Other rivers such as Suvarnanadi, Shambhavi in [[Karkala]] and [[Mulki, Karnataka|Mulki]], Gurupura river, [[Pavanje]], Nandini and numerous streams all running from east to west. The region of [[Puttur, Karnataka|Puttur]], [[Sullia]], Belthangady and Puttur, Karkala are the [[Malenadu|Malnad]] region and supported as an agricultural backbone of the kingdom and the region of Mangalore, Udupi and [[Kundapur]] are the coastal regions that supported more of marine activities though agriculture is the other occupation.<ref>Nagarajaiah 2003, p. 73-74</ref><ref>Ghosh 2003, p. 36-38</ref>
 
An [[Old Malayalam]] inscription ([[Ramanthali inscriptions]]), dated to 1075 CE, mentioning king Kunda Alupa, can be found at [[Ezhimala]] (the former headquarters of [[Mushika dynasty]]) near [[Kannur|Cannanore]], Kerala.<ref name="laol"/><ref>Nagarajaiah 2003, p. 73-75</ref>


==Epigraphs==
==Epigraphs==
[[File:M Govinda Pai Regional Research Centre Udupi 001.jpg|thumb|right|upright|300px|The Vaddarse Old Kannada inscription (650 AD) of King Aluvarasa I]]
[[File:M Govinda Pai Regional Research Centre Udupi 001.jpg|thumb|right|357x357px|The Vaddarse Old Kannada inscription (650 AD) of King Aluvarasa I]]
[[File:Tulu inscription mulki 20250821-201045.png|thumb|alt=Alupa dynasty, inscription|Tulu inscription Mulki]]
[[File:Alupas epigraphs 20250819-190418.png|thumb|alt=Alupas monuments|epigraphs of  Alupa Dynasty, Varanga]]


The earliest known [[Indian copper plate inscriptions|copper plate inscription]] in Kannada language is attributed to Aluvarasa II, called the Belamannu plates and is dated the early 8th century, according to Dr. Gururaj Bhat.<ref name="oldest"/> This full-length Kannada copper plates in [[Old Kannada|Old Kannada or Halegannada (Kannada: ಹಳೆಗನ್ನಡ)]] script (early 8th century CE) belongs to the Alupa King Aluvarasa II from [[Belmannu]], Karkala Taluk, Udupi District, and displays the double crested fish, the royal emblem of Alupa kings. The records also refers to the king with the title Alupendra.
The earliest known [[Indian copper plate inscriptions|copper plate inscription]] in Kannada language is attributed to Aluvarasa II, called the Belamannu plates and is dated the early 8th century, according to Dr. Gururaj Bhat.<ref name="oldest"/> This full-length Kannada copper plates in [[Old Kannada|Old Kannada or Halegannada (Kannada: ಹಳೆಗನ್ನಡ)]] script (early 8th century CE) belongs to the Alupa King Aluvarasa II from [[Belmannu]], Karkala Taluk, Udupi District, and displays the double crested fish, the royal emblem of Alupa kings. The records also refers to the king with the title Alupendra.<ref>Nagarajaiah 2003, p. 75-76</ref>


The first known epigraph that talks about the possession of Banavasi Mandala (Banavasi kingdom of Uttara Kannada District) by the Alupas, belongs to the reign of Western Chalukya king Vinayaditya.<ref name="Ist Stone Epigraph">Journal of the Institute of Indian Studies, 1978 May Vol#1</ref> Te epigraph comes from Jambani of Sagar Taluk, discovered by Dr Gururaj Bhat, mentions about Chitravahana Alupendra in possession of Kadamba mandala. This is, in fact, the first stone epigraph that points the ruler as a subordinate to Western Chalukya King (8th century CE). An [[Old Malayalam]] inscription ([[Ramanthali inscriptions]]), dated to 1075 CE, mentioning king Kunda Alupa, the ruler of Alupa dynasty of [[Mangalore]], can be found at [[Ezhimala]] (the former headquarters of [[Mushika dynasty]]) near [[Kannur|Cannanore]], in the [[North Malabar]] region of [[Kerala]].<ref name="laol">Narayanan, M. G. S. ''Perumāḷs of Kerala.'' Thrissur (Kerala): CosmoBooks, 2013. 483.</ref> It is one of the oldest inscriptions available about Alupa dynasty.<ref name="laol"/>[[File:Halmidi OldKannada inscription.JPG|thumb|A replica of the [[Halmidi inscription]] (450 C.E) which mentions Pashupathi, the earliest known Alupa king by name.]]
The first known epigraph that talks about the possession of Banavasi Mandala (Banavasi kingdom of Uttara Kannada District) by the Alupas, belongs to the reign of Western Chalukya king Vinayaditya.<ref name="Ist Stone Epigraph">Journal of the Institute of Indian Studies, 1978 May Vol#1</ref> Te epigraph comes from Jambani of Sagar Taluk, discovered by Dr Gururaj Bhat, mentions about Chitravahana Alupendra in possession of Kadamba mandala. This is, in fact, the first stone epigraph that points the ruler as a subordinate to Western Chalukya King (8th century CE). An [[Old Malayalam]] inscription ([[Ramanthali inscriptions]]), dated to 1075 CE, mentioning king Kunda Alupa, the ruler of Alupa dynasty of [[Mangalore]], can be found at [[Ezhimala]] (the former headquarters of [[Mushika dynasty]]) near [[Kannur|Cannanore]], in the [[North Malabar]] region of [[Kerala]].<ref name="laol">Narayanan, M. G. S. ''Perumāḷs of Kerala.'' Thrissur (Kerala): CosmoBooks, 2013. 483.</ref> It is one of the oldest inscriptions available about Alupa dynasty.<ref name="laol"/>[[File:Halmidi OldKannada inscription.JPG|thumb|A replica of the [[Halmidi inscription]] (450 C.E) which mentions Pashupathi, the earliest known Alupa king by name.]]
The inscription at Talangere Kasaragod sheds light on the Alupa ruler Jayasimha and his sister Mochabbarasi.<ref>{{cite book |author=Smt Ratnamma |title= Tulunadina Jaina Raniyaru |date=1997 |publisher=Panditaratna A Shantiraja Shastri Trust |location=Bengaluru |page=119,152 |url=https://jainworld.jainworld.com/JWKannada/jainworld/Kannada%20Nadina%20Veera%20Jain%20Mahileyaru/Part-1.pdf}}</ref>
The oldest Tulu inscription discovered to date in the region is located at Pelattur, the one from the Kulashekhara temple in Mangaluru dated to 1159 A.D. Discovered by Prof.A. Murugeshi, it provides valuable information about the Alupa dynasty and is significant for the study of the Tulu language and culture. The inscription showcases the use of pure Tulu words and demonstrates the existence and sophistication of the Tulu language and script in ancient times.<ref name=:TH01>{{cite web|date=2019 |title=Tulu stone inscription in Veeranarayana temple belongs to 1159 A.D.: Historian |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Mangalore/tulu-stone-inscription-in-veeranarayana-temple-belongs-to-1159-ad-historian/article26344575.ece}}</ref><ref name=:DC01>{{cite web|date=2019 |title=Oldest Tulu inscription found in Mangaluru temple |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/in-other-news/240219/oldest-tulu-inscription-found-in-mangaluru-temple.html}}</ref><ref name=:DH01>{{cite web|date=2019 |title=Early Tulu inscription discovered in M'luru |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/india/karnataka/early-tulu-inscription-720316.html}}</ref>


==Chronology==
==Chronology==
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|
|-
|-
| Queen Ballamahadevi<br />and Nagadevarasa
| [[Queen Ballamahadevi]]<br />and Nagadevarasa
| 1275–1285 CE
| 1275–1285 CE
|
|
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==Art and architecture==
==Art and architecture==
The Alupas built some fine temples in their area of rule. The Panchalingeshwara temple at Barkur, Brahmalingeshwara temple at [[Brahamavar]], Koteshwara temple at Kotinatha and the Sadashiva temple at [[Suratkal]] are attributed to them. They used sculptural styles from their various overlords over the centuries.<ref name="oldest"/>
The Alupas built some fine temples in their area of rule. The Panchalingeshwara temple at Barkur, Brahmalingeshwara temple at ''Brahamavar'', Koteshwara temple at Kotinatha and the Sadashiva temple at [[Suratkal]] are attributed to them. They used sculptural styles from their various overlords over the centuries.<ref name="oldest"/>


1. '''Sri Rajarajeshwari Temple, Polali'''
'''1 The Kattale Basadi, Barkur'''
[[File:Kattale Basadi fb66ca8be6 h~3.jpg|thumb|alt=Kattale basadi, commissioned by Alupa dynasty|Kattale [[Jain]] basadi, commissioned by Alupa dynasty]]
[[File:Varanga Jain Temple 20250819-190219.png|thumb|alt=Alupa dynasty temples|Varanga [[Jain]] Temple commissioned by Alupa dynasty Queen Jakala Devi between (2-15th century)]]
The temple is traditionally attributed to the Alupa dynasty and later received patronage during the Vijayanagara Empire. The temple complex is believed to have originally housed 24 Tirthankara idols, of which only one survives today.  Barkur served as an important Jain center under the Alupas and later dynasties, with several basadis (Jain temples) constructed in the region.<ref>Nagarajaiah 2003, p. 76-79</ref>
 
'''2.''' '''Sri Rajarajeshwari Temple, Polali'''
[[File:Polali Shri Rajarajeshwari.jpg|thumb| [[Murti]] of the Goddess Rajarajeshwari at the temple patronized by the Alupas]]
[[File:Polali Shri Rajarajeshwari.jpg|thumb| [[Murti]] of the Goddess Rajarajeshwari at the temple patronized by the Alupas]]
In modern Mangalore District, [[Polali Rajarajeshwari Temple]] is one of the oldest temple that has the earliest inscription of the Alupa dynasty, written in 8th century Kannada. The temple is dedicated to Sri Rajarashewari, and Alupa kings enriched this temple during throughout their rule.
In modern Mangalore District, [[Polali Rajarajeshwari Temple]] is one of the oldest temple that has the earliest inscription of the Alupa dynasty, written in 8th century Kannada. The temple is dedicated to Sri Rajarashewari, and Alupa kings enriched this temple during throughout their rule.<ref>Nagarajaiah 2003, p. 76-80</ref>


2. '''Sri Manjunatheshwara Temple, Kadri'''
'''3'''. '''Sri Manjunatheshwara Temple, Kadri'''
[[File:Kadri temple.JPG|thumb|The Kadri Manjunath temple was built and patronized by the Alupas]]
[[File:Kadri temple.JPG|thumb|The Kadri Manjunath temple was built and patronized by the Alupas]]
In modern Mangalore district, Kadri has the other important and old temple that belonged to the era of Alupas. The temple has several finest bronze statues installed by the King Kundavarma, which bears inscriptions of him dated 968 CE. In the inscription of Lokeshwara statue, king Kundavarma is compared to Arjuna in bravery.
In modern Mangalore district, Kadri has the other important and old temple that belonged to the era of Alupas. The temple has several finest bronze statues installed by the King Kundavarma, which bears inscriptions of him dated 968 CE. In the inscription of Lokeshwara statue, king Kundavarma is compared to Arjuna in bravery.<ref>Ghosh 2003, p. 50-53</ref>
 
3. '''Sri Mahishamardini Temple, Neelavara'''<br />
In times, Alupas changed their capital from Mangalore to [[Udyavara]], Udyavara to Mangalore and then again to Barkur depending on the political situation and demand. To be in centre to their ruling place, they even shifted their capital to Barakur from where they could look after the vast territory which spread up to [[Ankola]] in the North Kanara (Uttara Kannada District).  During this period, they patronised several temples in the surrounding areas of Barakuru (which was their capital). Neelavara Kshetra is one such a holy place where Mahishasuramardini temple has several Alupa inscriptions of later period.
 
4. '''Sri Panchalingeshwara Temple, Vittla'''<br />
This temple is one of the oldest temple of Alupa territory, built during 7th century CE. The architecture of the temple is in line with that of Sri Ananteshwara temple which is the oldest temple built by the Alupas. The architecture is unique and is an innovation of 7th century. The [[Havyaka Brahmins]] of Uttara Kannada were attracted during 7th century CE by the Alupas and were given Agraharas for imparting Vedic knowledge to the people of Alvakheda.  The Alupas built many temples and allowed these Brahmins to take care of it. The legend says that there were hundreds of temples that every day there is a festival in one or other temple of the region.  The temple of Vittla Panchalingeshwara is one of the oldest structure which was renovated by the later local dynasties such as Heggades.
 
5. '''Sri Anantheshwara Temple, Udupi'''<br />
Diagonally opposite to the main entrance of the Sri Krishna Mutt, and adjacent to the Chandramouleeshwara Temple, stands one of the oldest Alupa temple namely '''''[[Udupi Anantheshwara Temple|Sri Anantheswara Temple]]'''''.  An old belief is that lighting a lamp at the ancient Anantheshwara Temple takes away evil and sins. It is one of the biggest temple in Udupi. The main idol is Linga, whose adornment makes it to look like a Face of Lord Siva. From a small window on the left, the site where Madhvacharya disappeared is seen.


Both Sri Vittla Panchalingeshwara and Sri Udupi Anantheshwara Temple have Elephant-back type curvilinear structure. Another temple of similar architecture is also seen in Aihole Durga temple, appears to be a structure of 7th century CE. So, tagging it to any architectural style is ruled out unless more detailed study or research is done on this topic. The unique noteworthy feature of the architecture of South Canara temples is their roof. Being in a landscape of high rainfall, the temple roofs evolved from grass, clay tiles and eventually with the copper-plates.
4. '''Sri Mahishamardini Temple, Neelavara'''<br />In times, Alupas changed their capital from Mangalore to [[Udyavara]], Udyavara to Mangalore and then again to Barkur depending on the political situation and demand.<ref>Nagarajaiah 2003, p. 80-82</ref> To be in centre to their ruling place, they even shifted their capital to Barakur from where they could look after the vast territory which spread up to [[Ankola]] in the North Kanara (Uttara Kannada District). During this period, they patronised several temples in the surrounding areas of Barakuru (which was their capital). Neelavara Kshetra is one such a holy place where Mahishasuramardini temple has several Alupa inscriptions of later period.<ref>Ghosh 2003, p. 55-56</ref>


==Coinage==
5. '''Sri Panchalingeshwara Temple, Vittla'''<br />
The Alupas as a feudatory of the [[Western Chalukyas]] in coastal Karnataka issued coins with [[Kannada]] and [[Devanagari|Nagari]] inscriptions on them. Coins with Kannada legends seem to have minted in Mangalore and those with Nagari legend at the Udupi mint. Kannada was their language of administration. The Pagodas and Fanams were the common coinage of all the Alupa kings. The obverse of the coins carried the royal emblem "Two Fishes" and the reverse had the legend "Sri Pandya Dhanamjaya"  either in Nagari or old (Hale) Kannada.<ref name="oldest"/>
This temple is one of the oldest temple of Alupa territory, built during 7th century CE. The architecture of the temple is in line with that of Sri Ananteshwara temple which is the oldest temple built by the Alupas. The architecture is unique and is an innovation of 7th century. The [[Havyaka Brahmins]] of Uttara Kannada were attracted during 7th century CE by the Alupas and were given Agraharas in Alvakheda. The Alupas thought a Jain built many Hindu temples and allowed these Brahmins to take care of it. The legend says that there were hundreds of temples that every day there is a festival in one or other temple of the region. The temple of Vittla Panchalingeshwara is one of the oldest structure which was renovated by the later local dynasties such as Heggades.<ref>Nagarajaiah 2003, p. 78-80</ref>


This paragraph is about the inscription found at Neelavara temple of Udupi district. This is all about the grant in "Gadyana" denomination. The Alupas while ruling from Barakuru showed great interest in the development of temple. This record is of the Alupa ruler Veerapandyadeva, dated 1258 CE mentions about his instruction to "neeruvara munnuru" i.e. Neeruvara-300, the modern Neelavara village Assembly. It states that after paying 100 gadyanas (coins) to the palace and 30 gadyanas to Adhikari, remaining 30 gadyanas, should be used by the village assembly for its expense. Yet another inscription of Veerapandyadeva's queen Ballamahadevi, the next ruler is also seen here. The record mentions that when Ballamahadevi was ruling her kingdom with the help of samastapradanas, Deshi purushas, Bahattara niyogis and Rishi Purohita, she gave a grant to Niruvara Bhagavati, out of 100 honnus that is paid to the palace. This inscription was written by Keshava Senabhova as mentioned in the epigraph.
6. '''Sri Anantheshwara Temple, Udupi'''<br />
Diagonally opposite to the main entrance of the Sri Krishna Mutt, and adjacent to the Chandramouleeshwara Temple, stands one of the oldest Alupa temple namely '''''[[Udupi Anantheshwara Temple|Sri Anantheswara Temple]]'''''. An old belief is that lighting a lamp at the ancient Anantheshwara Temple takes away evil and sins. It is one of the biggest temple in Udupi. The main idol is Linga, whose adornment makes it to look like a Face of Lord Siva. From a small window on the left, the site where Madhvacharya disappeared is seen.<ref>Nagarajaiah 2003, p. 80-82</ref>


The Alupas were one of the three dynasties that issued gold coins as early as 8th century CE. The gold that used to mint coins came from trade with the Romans, Arabs and from the adjacent kingdom of [[Western Ganga dynasty|Gangas]]. No other ancient dynasties of the south have issued that many varieties of gold coins as Alupas and Gangas did. The coins of both Gangas and Alupas have inscriptions that helps in dating the period of issue. Unfortunately these coins have not drawn much attention compared to that of Chalukyas or [[Hoysala Empire|Hoysalas]]. But for sure, they have inspired later dynasties as a prototype or basis to issue coins. Shown below is the hand-drawing of some of the Pandya Gadyanas (Alupa coins) obverse image.
Both Sri Vittla Panchalingeshwara and Sri Udupi Anantheshwara Temple have Elephant-back type curvilinear structure. Another temple of similar architecture is also seen in Aihole Durga temple, appears to be a structure of 7th century CE. So, tagging it to any architectural style is ruled out unless more detailed study or research is done on this topic. The unique noteworthy feature of the architecture of South Canara temples is their roof. Being in a landscape of high rainfall, the temple roofs evolved from grass, clay tiles and eventually with the copper-plates.<ref>Nagarajaiah 2003, p. 82-84</ref>


==Notes==
==Notes==
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==References==
==References==
* Dr. Suryanath U. Kamath, A Concise history of Karnataka from pre-historic times to the present, Jupiter books, 2001, MCC, Bangalore (Reprinted 2002)
* Govindraya Prabhu S, Nithyananda Pai M, "The Alupas, Coinage and history", 2006, {{ISBN|81-7525-560-9}} (Paperback), {{ISBN|81-7525-561-7}} (Hardbound), Manipal Printers, Published by SG Prabhu, Sanoor, 2006, 500 copies.
* Govindraya Prabhu S, Nithyananda Pai M, "The Alupas, Coinage and history", 2006, {{ISBN|81-7525-560-9}} (Paperback), {{ISBN|81-7525-561-7}} (Hardbound), Manipal Printers, Published by SG Prabhu, Sanoor, 2006, 500 copies.
*  ⁠{{cite book |last=Nagarajaiah |first=Hampa |title=Jainism in Southern Karnataka |publisher=Sapna Book House |location=Bangalore |year=1999 |oclc=45166444 }}
*  {{cite news |date=1 October 2017 |title=Polali's famed shrine echoes the heroics of the Alupa kings |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/lifestyle/books-and-art/011017/polalis-famed-shrine-echoes-the-heroics-of-the-alupa-kings.html |access-date=15 June 2018 |publisher=Deccan Chronicle}}
*  {{cite journal|title= The Quarterly Journal of the Mythic Society (Bangalore)|journal=The Quarterly Journal of the Mythic Society|volume=93|year=2002|publisher=The Mythic Society|location=Bangalore, India|pages=22|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=UAFuAAAAMAAJ}}
*  {{cite book|first=Sūryanātha|last=Kāmat|title=Karnataka State Gazetteer: South Kanara Gazetteer of India Volume 12 of Karnataka State Gazetteer|year=1973|publisher=Director of Print, Stationery and Publications at the Govt. Press|pages=38|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=RrG1AAAAIAAJ}}
*  {{cite book|first=Amitav|last=Ghosh|author-link=Amitav Ghosh|title=The Imam and the Indian: prose pieces|year=2003|publisher=Orient Blackswan|isbn=978-81-7530-047-7|pages=189|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QQHp9wsWaZcC}}
*  {{cite book|last1=Saletore|first1=Bhaskar Anand|title=Ancient Karnāṭaka, Volume 1|date=1936|publisher=Oriental Book Agency|pages= 59–61}}
*  {{cite book|title=The Hoysaḷa Dynasty|year=1972|publisher=Prasārānga, University of Mysore|pages=95–96|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5o8ZnsSwL0kC}}
* {{cite journal|title= The Quarterly Journal of the Mythic Society (Bangalore)|journal=The Quarterly Journal of the Mythic Society|volume=93|year=2002|publisher=The Mythic Society|location=Bangalore, India|pages=22|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=UAFuAAAAMAAJ}}
*  {{cite book|last1=Bhatt|first1=P. Gururaja|title=Antiquities of South Kanara|date=1969|publisher=Prabhakara Press|page=iii|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=UdMCAAAAMAAJ|access-date=14 February 2018}}
*  {{cite book|first1=Edgar|last1=Thurston|author-link=Edgar Thurston|first2=K.|last2=Rangachari|date=1909|title=Castes and Tribes of Southern India|volume=1. Madras: Government Press|pages=147–172}}
*  {{cite news |last1=Prabhu |first1=Ganesh |title=Tulu pillar inscription found in Kota |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/tulu-pillar-inscription-found-in-kota/article6961571.ece |access-date=15 June 2018 |work=The Hindu |date=5 March 2015}}
* Thulunaadina Shaasnagalu ... By K T Shaila Verma.
* Thulunaadina Shaasnagalu ... By K T Shaila Verma.
* Tjhulunaadina Jaina Arasu Manethanagalu published by Hampi University... under Edition Of Chinnaswamy Sosale.
* Tjhulunaadina Jaina Arasu Manethanagalu published by Hampi University... under Edition Of Chinnaswamy Sosale.
* Tulunadina Jaina Raniyaru by Smt Ratnamma published by Panditaratna A Shantiraja Shastri Trust, Bengaluru.


{{Karnataka topics}}
{{Karnataka topics}}


[[Category:History of Karnataka]]
[[Category:Medieval Karnataka]]
[[Category:Dynasties of India]]
[[Category:South Indian dynasties]]
[[Category:Jain empires and kingdoms]]
[[Category:Medieval Kerala]]
[[Category:Medieval Kerala]]
[[Category:Bunt (community)]]
[[Category:Bunt (community)]]

Latest revision as of 17:58, 27 February 2026


Alupa Dynasty
200–1444
Coinage of the Alupas. Uncertain ruler, Chattopadhyaya Type II. Legend śri pa/ndya dhana/jaya in Devanagari. 14th century CE of Alupa Dynasty
Coinage of the Alupas. Uncertain ruler, Chattopadhyaya Type II. Legend śri pa/ndya dhana/jaya in Devanagari. 14th century CE
Template:South Asia in 600 CE
CapitalMangalore, Udyavara, Barkur
Common languagesTulu[1] Kannada[2]
Religion
Jain Bunt
GovernmentMonarchy
King 
History 
• Established
200
• Disestablished
1444
 Succeeded by
Chowta dynasty (Tulu Nadu)

The Alupa dynasty was an Indian dynasty that ruled from 200 to 1444 A.D. in Southern India.[3] They were local feudatories at different times under major dynasties such as the Kadambas, Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas and later Vijaynagara[4] The kingdom they ruled was known as Alvakheda Arusasira, and its territory spanned the coastal districts of the modern Indian state known as Karnataka, including Kasaragod district of present-day Kerala.[5] The Alupas played a significant role in the political, cultural, and religious history of coastal Karnataka.[6]

Etymology[edit | edit source]

The name of the dynasty is variously recorded in inscriptions as Alupa, Aluva, Alva, Aluka, and Alapa.[7] The origin of Alupas prior to the Kadambas is unclear, as there is no epigraphical evidence. Ptolemy, the 2nd-century geographer, identifies the Alvakheda as Olokhoira, which is widely believed to be a corruption of the term Alva Kheda, 'the land of the Alvas.[8]

In the Tulu language, ಆಳ್ಪು (Alup) means 'to rule', ಆಳ್ಪುನು (Alupunu) means 'ruling', ಆಳುಪೆ / ಆಳ್ಪೆ / ಆಳ್ಪುನಾಯೆ (Alupe) means 'ruler' (one who rules). According to B. A. Saletore, the name Alupa may be derived from its variant Aluka, which is an epithet of the divine serpent Shesha of Hindu epics.[9] Fleet has suggested that the name Aluka could denote the Nāga Because it represent Jain Yakshini Padamavti the yakshini of Parshwanatha, who in early times were included in Chalukya dominions.[10] Saletore further adds that the Naga or Jain origin of the Alupas is proved by two facts. The figure of a hooded serpent, which is found in an effaced Alupa stone inscription around Mangalore,[11] Saletore dismisses the idea regarding the Dravidian origin of the name from the Kannada word Alunu, meaning 'to rule' or 'govern'.[12]

History[edit | edit source]

The Alupas in their prime were an independent dynasty, centuries after reigning due to the dominance of Kadambas from Banavasi, they became feudatories to them. Later, they became the vassals of the Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, and Hoysalas with the change in the political scenario of Southern India. Their influence over coastal Karnataka lasted for about 1200 years.[13][14] It has been pointed out that the Alupas do not appear to have adopted the law of matrilineal inheritance (Appekatt/Aliyasantana) system at any time during their existence as a royal family where the only instance in the long list of known Alupa rulers is the reign of nephew "Aliya" Kulasekhara Bankideva (son of Alupa princess Krishnayitayi and Hoysala Veera Ballala III) succeeding Soyideva - which is considered as only a challenge to those who had succeeded to the throne by the universal law of direct succession.[15][16][17] The last Alupa king to have ruled is Kulasekharadeva Alupendradeva, whose inscription dated 1444 CE has been found in Mudabidri Jain Basadi.[18]

Political history[edit | edit source]

The history of the clan emerges from obscurity during the rise of Badami Chalukya in the Aihole and Mahakuta inscriptions, which claim the Alupas had accepted Chalukya overlordship and had become their feudatory.[19] They ruled initially from Mangalore and at other times from Udyavara in Udupi and later from Barkur. Their first regular full-length inscription, the Vaddarase inscription in Kannada, is dated to the early 7th century. They maintained marital relations with their overlords over the centuries.[20]

Coinage[edit | edit source]

The Alupas, as a feudatory of the Western Chalukyas in coastal Karnataka, issued coins with Kannada and Nagari inscriptions on them. Coins with Kannada legends seem to have been minted in Mangalorem and those with Nagari legends at the Udupi mint. Kannada was their language of administration. The Pagodas and Fanams were the common coinage of all the Alupa kings. The obverse of the coins carried the royal emblem "Two Fishes" and the reverse had the legend "Sri Pandya Dhanamjaya" either in Nagari or old (Hale) Kannada.[21]

Origin and descendants[edit | edit source]

Origin[edit | edit source]

Historian P. Gururaja Bhat states that the Alupa royal family were possibly of local origin who were followers of Jainism and are identified as Jain bunts[22][23] Whereas, B. A. Saletore mentions that the title Alupa (Alva) survives till this day in the Bunt community While Alva's were originally Jains,[24] Some sections later adopted Hinduism though title continues to be used.[25][26] Alupa royal family recorded to have maintained matrimonial alliances with The Santara dynasty and are both adherents of Jainism.[27]

The rule over Uttara Kannada region, with Banavasi as its capital was by Chutu clan followed by the Shatavahana branch which governed for Siri, Siva, Pulumavi and Yajna Satakarnis, prior to the Kadambas. With the Kadambas rule from Banavasi, Karnataka saw developments in the field of art and culture.[28][29] Land of Karnataka saw more and more epigraphs that recorded the activities of the past, mostly erected in the temple premises. The first clear mention of Alupas comes from the Halmidi inscription of 450 CE where their possible early ruler Pashupathi of Alapa (Alupa) gana is mentioned. Pashupathi was the contemporary of the Kadambas.[30] Hence for historical record, we can safely assume that the dynastic formation of Alupas took place around 5th century CE. Their royal emblem was the double fish and they claimed to belong to the Pandyavamsha and Soma Kula (lunar dynasty).[19]

Descendants[edit | edit source]

The descendants of this dynasty still survive to this date and have spread in the karavali region and they are widely referred to as the Bunt.[31][32] The Bunts follow Matrilineality instead of the common Patrilineality, and are said to be Nagavanshi Jain Kshatriyas by their maternal origin. They can be identified with their surnames such as Shetty, Rai, Hegde, Alva, Chowta etc. Even though most Bunt are Hindus by faith now, The sizeable section of the community still follows Jainism and they are called Jain Bunt[33]

Territories[edit | edit source]

Although Alupas controlled part of Uttara Kannada and Shimoga of Karnataka and northern part of Kerala during the zenith, the core region consisted of the Old Dakshina Kannada district which comprises Modern Dakshina Kannada district and Udupi district.[34] In the ancient times, the region was referred as Alvakheda and during the later part of the reign, the region between Swarna River and chandragiri river was referred as Tulunadu. The term Tulunadu is still practised today while referring to the region.[35][36]

Alvakheda[edit | edit source]

The term Alvakheda could be seen in several of ancient inscriptions of the Alupas. The region of Alvakheda encompassed the modern Tulunadu, northern and central part of Udupi district and part of Uttara Kannada up to Ankola on the coastal north and Banavasi on the interior west of Uttara Kannada District. Also, the region of Humcha in the Shimoga district, and the land of Kasaragod in present-day Kerala up to the Payasvini river was the boundary in the south.[37] The term Alvakheda is not seen in the inscriptions during the Vijayanagara period, when the region of Barakuru and Mangalore were two separate provinces under the administration of Governors who started controlling the territory without interfering in the autonomy of the Alupas.[38]

Tulunadu[edit | edit source]

The region stretches from Mangalore in the south all the way to swarna river in the north. On the west is the Arabian sea and on the east is the Western Ghats that fences the land like a fort that formed a heaven for the ruler. More than it, number of rivers that crisscrossed near Mangalore, Udyavara made this land fertile. The western ghats, the thick forests and the towns along the shoreline of Arabian sea established several sea ports for trade with the Romans and Arabs. Trade routes from with the Romans were well established as early as the 2nd century CE and with the Arabs around 7th century CE. The Netravati in Mangalore and Seethanadi in Barkur are the main rivers that run in the capital cities of Alupas. Other rivers such as Suvarnanadi, Shambhavi in Karkala and Mulki, Gurupura river, Pavanje, Nandini and numerous streams all running from east to west. The region of Puttur, Sullia, Belthangady and Puttur, Karkala are the Malnad region and supported as an agricultural backbone of the kingdom and the region of Mangalore, Udupi and Kundapur are the coastal regions that supported more of marine activities though agriculture is the other occupation.[39][40]

An Old Malayalam inscription (Ramanthali inscriptions), dated to 1075 CE, mentioning king Kunda Alupa, can be found at Ezhimala (the former headquarters of Mushika dynasty) near Cannanore, Kerala.[41][42]

Epigraphs[edit | edit source]

The Vaddarse Old Kannada inscription (650 AD) of King Aluvarasa I
Alupa dynasty, inscription
Tulu inscription Mulki
Alupas monuments
epigraphs of Alupa Dynasty, Varanga

The earliest known copper plate inscription in Kannada language is attributed to Aluvarasa II, called the Belamannu plates and is dated the early 8th century, according to Dr. Gururaj Bhat.[20] This full-length Kannada copper plates in Old Kannada or Halegannada (Kannada: ಹಳೆಗನ್ನಡ) script (early 8th century CE) belongs to the Alupa King Aluvarasa II from Belmannu, Karkala Taluk, Udupi District, and displays the double crested fish, the royal emblem of Alupa kings. The records also refers to the king with the title Alupendra.[43]

The first known epigraph that talks about the possession of Banavasi Mandala (Banavasi kingdom of Uttara Kannada District) by the Alupas, belongs to the reign of Western Chalukya king Vinayaditya.[44] Te epigraph comes from Jambani of Sagar Taluk, discovered by Dr Gururaj Bhat, mentions about Chitravahana Alupendra in possession of Kadamba mandala. This is, in fact, the first stone epigraph that points the ruler as a subordinate to Western Chalukya King (8th century CE). An Old Malayalam inscription (Ramanthali inscriptions), dated to 1075 CE, mentioning king Kunda Alupa, the ruler of Alupa dynasty of Mangalore, can be found at Ezhimala (the former headquarters of Mushika dynasty) near Cannanore, in the North Malabar region of Kerala.[41] It is one of the oldest inscriptions available about Alupa dynasty.[41]

A replica of the Halmidi inscription (450 C.E) which mentions Pashupathi, the earliest known Alupa king by name.

The inscription at Talangere Kasaragod sheds light on the Alupa ruler Jayasimha and his sister Mochabbarasi.[45]

The oldest Tulu inscription discovered to date in the region is located at Pelattur, the one from the Kulashekhara temple in Mangaluru dated to 1159 A.D. Discovered by Prof.A. Murugeshi, it provides valuable information about the Alupa dynasty and is significant for the study of the Tulu language and culture. The inscription showcases the use of pure Tulu words and demonstrates the existence and sophistication of the Tulu language and script in ancient times.[46][47][48]

Chronology[edit | edit source]

Ruler's name Year of reign Relation
Pashupathi 450 CE
To be known 500 – 7th century CE
Aluvarasa I Early 7th century Father-in-law of Pulakeshin II
Gunasagara 660–630 CE
Chitravahana 663–730 CE Husband of Chalukya princess Kumkuma Mahadevi and brother-in-law of Chalukya Vijayaditya
Aluvarasa II Incurred the wrath of the Chalukyas
Chitravahana II
Ranasagara
Pritvisagara
Marama
Vimaladitya
Alva Rananjaya
Dattalupa
Kundavarma 960–980 CE
Jayasimha 980–1010 CE
Bankideva Alupendra
Pattiyodeya
Pandya Pattiyodeya 1080–1110 CE
Kavi Alupendra CE
Pattiyodeya Kulashekara Alupendra 1160–1220 CE
Kundana 1220–1230 CE
Vallabhadeva Duttalupa
Virapandya 1250–1275 CE
Queen Ballamahadevi
and Nagadevarasa 		1275–1285 CE
Bankideva II
Soyideva
Kulashekara 1335–1346 CE Son of Hoysala Veera Ballala III
and Alupa princess Chikkayitayi
Bankideva III
Kulashekara III 1355–1390 CE
Virapandya II

Art and architecture[edit | edit source]

The Alupas built some fine temples in their area of rule. The Panchalingeshwara temple at Barkur, Brahmalingeshwara temple at Brahamavar, Koteshwara temple at Kotinatha and the Sadashiva temple at Suratkal are attributed to them. They used sculptural styles from their various overlords over the centuries.[20]

1 The Kattale Basadi, Barkur

Kattale basadi, commissioned by Alupa dynasty
Kattale Jain basadi, commissioned by Alupa dynasty
Alupa dynasty temples
Varanga Jain Temple commissioned by Alupa dynasty Queen Jakala Devi between (2-15th century)

The temple is traditionally attributed to the Alupa dynasty and later received patronage during the Vijayanagara Empire. The temple complex is believed to have originally housed 24 Tirthankara idols, of which only one survives today. Barkur served as an important Jain center under the Alupas and later dynasties, with several basadis (Jain temples) constructed in the region.[49]

2. Sri Rajarajeshwari Temple, Polali

Murti of the Goddess Rajarajeshwari at the temple patronized by the Alupas

In modern Mangalore District, Polali Rajarajeshwari Temple is one of the oldest temple that has the earliest inscription of the Alupa dynasty, written in 8th century Kannada. The temple is dedicated to Sri Rajarashewari, and Alupa kings enriched this temple during throughout their rule.[50]

3. Sri Manjunatheshwara Temple, Kadri

The Kadri Manjunath temple was built and patronized by the Alupas

In modern Mangalore district, Kadri has the other important and old temple that belonged to the era of Alupas. The temple has several finest bronze statues installed by the King Kundavarma, which bears inscriptions of him dated 968 CE. In the inscription of Lokeshwara statue, king Kundavarma is compared to Arjuna in bravery.[51]

4. Sri Mahishamardini Temple, Neelavara
In times, Alupas changed their capital from Mangalore to Udyavara, Udyavara to Mangalore and then again to Barkur depending on the political situation and demand.[52] To be in centre to their ruling place, they even shifted their capital to Barakur from where they could look after the vast territory which spread up to Ankola in the North Kanara (Uttara Kannada District). During this period, they patronised several temples in the surrounding areas of Barakuru (which was their capital). Neelavara Kshetra is one such a holy place where Mahishasuramardini temple has several Alupa inscriptions of later period.[53]

5. Sri Panchalingeshwara Temple, Vittla
This temple is one of the oldest temple of Alupa territory, built during 7th century CE. The architecture of the temple is in line with that of Sri Ananteshwara temple which is the oldest temple built by the Alupas. The architecture is unique and is an innovation of 7th century. The Havyaka Brahmins of Uttara Kannada were attracted during 7th century CE by the Alupas and were given Agraharas in Alvakheda. The Alupas thought a Jain built many Hindu temples and allowed these Brahmins to take care of it. The legend says that there were hundreds of temples that every day there is a festival in one or other temple of the region. The temple of Vittla Panchalingeshwara is one of the oldest structure which was renovated by the later local dynasties such as Heggades.[54]

6. Sri Anantheshwara Temple, Udupi
Diagonally opposite to the main entrance of the Sri Krishna Mutt, and adjacent to the Chandramouleeshwara Temple, stands one of the oldest Alupa temple namely Sri Anantheswara Temple. An old belief is that lighting a lamp at the ancient Anantheshwara Temple takes away evil and sins. It is one of the biggest temple in Udupi. The main idol is Linga, whose adornment makes it to look like a Face of Lord Siva. From a small window on the left, the site where Madhvacharya disappeared is seen.[55]

Both Sri Vittla Panchalingeshwara and Sri Udupi Anantheshwara Temple have Elephant-back type curvilinear structure. Another temple of similar architecture is also seen in Aihole Durga temple, appears to be a structure of 7th century CE. So, tagging it to any architectural style is ruled out unless more detailed study or research is done on this topic. The unique noteworthy feature of the architecture of South Canara temples is their roof. Being in a landscape of high rainfall, the temple roofs evolved from grass, clay tiles and eventually with the copper-plates.[56]

Notes[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ Prabhu 2018
  2. ↑ Prabhu 2018
  3. ↑ Ghosh 2003, p. 20-23
  4. ↑ Nagarajaiah 2003, p. 40-45
  5. ↑ Polai's 2003, p. 15-18
  6. ↑ Nagarajaiah 2003, p. 43-45
  7. ↑ Ghosh 2003, p. 24-26
  8. ↑ Ghosh 2003, p. 25-28
  9. ↑ saletore 1936, p. 60-65
  10. ↑ saletore 1936, p. 63-66
  11. ↑ saletore 1936, p. 65-68
  12. ↑ saletore 1936, p. 66-70
  13. ↑ Ghosh 2003, p. 25-28
  14. ↑ Prasārānga 1972, p. 90-93
  15. ↑ K.V. Ramesh (1970). A History of South Kanara From the Earliest Times to the Fall of Vijayanagara. Karnatak University. p. 139. Retrieved 9 November 2025.
  16. ↑ Miho Ishii (2019). Modernity and Spirit Worship in India - An Anthropology of the Umwelt. Taylor & Francis. ISBN 978-1-000-74091-2. Retrieved 9 November 2025.
  17. ↑ Prasārānga 1972, p. 95-96
  18. ↑ The Quarterly Journal 2002, p. 22
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 Kamath (2001), p94
  20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 20.2 Kamath (2001), p97
  21. ↑ The Quarterly Journal 2002, p. 22-24
  22. ↑ Nagarajaiah 2003, p. 50-55
  23. ↑ Bhatt 1969, p. 51-53
  24. ↑ Nagarajaiah 2003, p. 54-55
  25. ↑ Nagarajaiah 2003, p. 55-56
  26. ↑ saletore 1936, p. 154
  27. ↑ Nagarajaiah 2003, p. 60-65
  28. ↑ Bhatt 1969, p. 55-56
  29. ↑ Kamath (2001), p. 91-93
  30. ↑ Nagarajaiah 2003, p. 70-72
  31. ↑ Saltore 1936, p. 75-76
  32. ↑ Journal of India 1978, p. 5-6
  33. ↑ Thurston 1909, p. 147-172
  34. ↑ Saltore 1936, p. 76-78
  35. ↑ Prasārānga 1972, p. 96-98
  36. ↑ Nagarajaiah 2003, p. 72-73
  37. ↑ Ghosh 2003, p. 28-30
  38. ↑ Saltore 1936, p. 78-80
  39. ↑ Nagarajaiah 2003, p. 73-74
  40. ↑ Ghosh 2003, p. 36-38
  41. ↑ 41.0 41.1 41.2 Narayanan, M. G. S. Perumāḷs of Kerala. Thrissur (Kerala): CosmoBooks, 2013. 483.
  42. ↑ Nagarajaiah 2003, p. 73-75
  43. ↑ Nagarajaiah 2003, p. 75-76
  44. ↑ Journal of the Institute of Indian Studies, 1978 May Vol#1
  45. ↑ Smt Ratnamma (1997). Tulunadina Jaina Raniyaru (PDF). Bengaluru: Panditaratna A Shantiraja Shastri Trust. p. 119,152.
  46. ↑ "Tulu stone inscription in Veeranarayana temple belongs to 1159 A.D.: Historian". The Hindu. 2019.
  47. ↑ "Oldest Tulu inscription found in Mangaluru temple". 2019.
  48. ↑ "Early Tulu inscription discovered in M'luru". 2019.
  49. ↑ Nagarajaiah 2003, p. 76-79
  50. ↑ Nagarajaiah 2003, p. 76-80
  51. ↑ Ghosh 2003, p. 50-53
  52. ↑ Nagarajaiah 2003, p. 80-82
  53. ↑ Ghosh 2003, p. 55-56
  54. ↑ Nagarajaiah 2003, p. 78-80
  55. ↑ Nagarajaiah 2003, p. 80-82
  56. ↑ Nagarajaiah 2003, p. 82-84

References[edit | edit source]

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